 "Representational image. AI-generated")
England’s school curriculum is set for its most significant revamp in more than a decade, with plans to teach pupils how to spot fake news and understand artificial intelligence. The changes are part of a wider government drive to modernise education and better prepare young people for the challenges of the future.
The Department for Education (DE) announced the reforms after considering the findings of a Curriculum and Assessment Review released on Wednesday. The government said the goal is to ensure every student leaves school with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the coming decades.
The review also proposes reducing the number of exams taken by teenagers by around 10 per cent, describing the current assessment load as “excessive.”
“From the fundamentals of reading to the present danger of spotting fake news, as part of our Plan for Change, these landmark reforms will help young people step boldly into the future, with the knowledge to achieve and the skills to thrive as the world around us continues to rapidly evolve,” said Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
“It has been over a decade since the national curriculum was updated, and it’s more crucial than ever that young people are equipped to face the challenges of today, so they can seize the exciting opportunities that life has to offer. The path to our country’s renewal runs through our schools: they must be an epicentre of the strongest possible foundations of knowledge, and the skills to excel in the modern world,” she added.
Focus on digital literacy, financial skills, and citizenship
Under the new curriculum, primary school pupils will be taught how to identify misinformation and disinformation, building critical thinking skills to challenge what they see online and protect themselves from digital harms. Lessons will also include practical knowledge about money management, such as mortgages and debt, alongside strengthened reading and literacy instruction.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“It is essential that every young person finishes their education with the knowledge and skills to move successfully into working life,” said Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce.
“Business will welcome curriculum changes that improve employability – such as team working, oracy, literacy, digital and financial skills. It’s crucial that every student can access an appropriate qualification pathway to help keep them engaged and in education or work,” she said.
The updated curriculum is scheduled to take effect from September 2028, with the final version expected to be published by early 2027, giving schools four terms to prepare. Other key measures will include a compulsory citizenship module with climate education, a new language qualification, and greater emphasis on outdoor and sporting activities.